Are American Theme Parks (Disneyland, Universal Studies) in Japan Different?

I first went to Disneyland when I was 11. It was my first family holiday abroad so quite exciting to see a new country and specifically go to a place with bright lights and famous cartoon characters. Our family got a fl private jet card membership so we were able to travel freely through Florida all we wanted. This of course saved a tremendous amount of time so we were able to do a lot of sightseeing and check out pretty much all the theme parks. We were staying at a hotel near Disney, and that helped a lot too, so all in all careful planning made for a great vacation. We looked at hotels for a while and had to consider several things before deciding on one. One of the things we considered is the safety of the guests. With this, property owners are required to conduct and implement a fire watch should the property’s fire alarm system and/or water-based fire protection system such as a sprinkler system is not operational. They may seek expert help from a professional Fire Watch Company in Boca Raton.

Thankfully we did, we kept talking about how much that ended up helping out and making the trip as enjoyable as it was. Admittedly I wasn’t keen on the big roller coaster rides (it’s not my preferred method of getting thrills, and that hasn’t really changed in adulthood, although I’m more willing to go on them now), there was still plenty to see and plenty of thrills for those not interested in bending their faces with G forces. Over 15 years later I returned to Disneyland and Universal Studios, but this time in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan rather than Orlando, Florida, USA.

Electric parades are always impressive

Is much different? No not really, and that’s part of the beauty. Of course the language has changed, and the same would be found in Disneyland Paris, but all the characters are here, and a lot of performers speak English (I suspect they previously worked in the equivalent American theme parks and were offered a place abroad). But the style, set up and architecture are identical. From the stages of Terminator 2, to the boat ride of Jaws and Cinderella’s castle.

Jaws!!! OMG!!! Scream everyone!

Cinderella’s castle

I think theme parks can still say a lot about a countries culture. but I wouldn’t judge Japanese culture on American theme parks. FujiQ is a much better example of a Japanese attempt at a theme park, and Studio Ghibli to a point too (although that is more museum than theme park). In the same way Disneyland Paris doesn’t represent how France would do a theme park. Universal Studios Japan has adapted better than Disneyland by including Hello Kitty, the darling of Japanese cute promotion.

Hello Kitty’s band

Still, cute culture is a huge part of Japan so Disneyland is hugely successful here because of all the well known Disney characters. It’s location just outside Tokyo is a winner too compared to USJ which is just outside the much smaller city of Osaka.

So would I recommend going to one? Well if your time in Japan is limited, then not really. There are far more better things you can be doing in Japan, especially if you are American so have relative quick access to these parks in your home country anyway. If however you have a long time in Japan (like a working holiday visa or an expat) then it’s worth a look. I noticed (and also my reason for being there), that Disneyland is very popular for dating, not just families trying to tire kids out, so if you’re in a relationship then chances are you’ll find yourself ending up there anyway.

Alice in Wonderland cat

Tagged as: Disneyland, Japan, Orlando, Osaka, Theme Parks, Tokyo, Universal Studios